The Growing Wealth Gap’s Impact on Travel

Episode Notes

Air travel is breaking records. But a recent Newsweek poll found that 44% of respondents won’t be traveling anywhere in the next three months, while 53% said they would’ve gone on vacation if the cost of living had been cheaper. Meanwhile, luxury hotel occupancy was up 1.8% in the first five months of 2024 while economy hotel occupancy was down 3.4%

Next, Marriott has debuted an online travel booking portal for small-to medium-sized businesses. It’s part of the company’s strategy to attract more direct bookings for business travelers, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill.  

Marriott’s new platform will enable users to book hotels, flights and car rentals without having to rely on third-party services such as American Express Global Business Travel. The hotel giant’s business travel model provides customers discounted rates at Marriott properties worldwide as well as access to Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program benefits, among other features. 

Finally, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada is scaling down funding programs that support the country’s 10 provincial First Nations tourism bodies, writes Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam. 

Habtemariam reports the organization will receive $6.5 million from the federal government this year, a $4 million decrease from last year. CEO Keith Henry said he believes several First Nations tourism bodies won’t survive for much longer unless the organization secures funding from additional sources. 

Habtemariam adds the organization’s staff of 40 will be cut in half by September. 

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Producer/Presenter: Jose Marmolejos